Expert: Michael Radi - 2/9/2009

Question
QUESTION:

I recently acquired my clock.  All the weights and chains are on the 3 sprockets.  I was able to pull the middle chain to raise the weight to wind the clock but the two chime weights are all the way up and I do not know how to release them so the clock can chime. I did not not receive any direction or manual with the clock.  Any advice appreciated.

Thank you.


ANSWER: You don't release the weights or chains to make the clock run. They will come down slowly as the clock runs. The center one powers the pendulum and it will take one week for it to go all the way down. The two outside weights are for the chimes and strike. They will come down as the clock plays the music. These weights will also take one week of running to travel all the way down. To test the chimes advance the minute hand to each 1/4 hour. They should play the chimes each 15 minute segment of the dial. If they don't, you may have the wrong weight on them. Put the heaviest weight on the right side of the clock.
If the clock is running properly you should be able to give the pendulum a swing and it will start ticking. Let me know how it goes, Michael


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there a manual switch or something to turn on the chimes?  The clock seems to be keeping time fine after I pulled down on the middle chain that raised the middle weight but the other two side weight are all the way to the top and there is no chim as I advance the hands etc.  Any advice on where to obtain an instruction manual?  Thank you again for your quick reply.

Answer
There are a number of reasons your clock may not be chiming. Reach inside and be sure that all of the hammers can be lifted away from the chime rods by lightly pulling them away from the rods. Some clocks have a lock down bar that presses on the hammer rods to hold them against the rods for transport or to silence the clock. If this is present you can pull it away from the hammers so they can lift.
If the clock has a chime shut off it should be present from the face of the clock. Along the outer ring of the clock face there will be a slot with a lever sticking through it about 1/8". The slot will be labeled with a silent mode as well as other options depending on the complexity of your chime feature.
Here is a clock owners manual online:
http://www.theclockdepot.com/grandfather_clocks_manual.html
I don't know where you can purchase one but this is pretty complete.
Michael
norkro.com